Partners have to taste their wine in the dark

The successor of speed-dating, Dinner in the Dark has already been making its mark on London and New York.

And in Cardiff on Wednesday a group of 40 singletons will pay �45 to gather in Cardiff's cafe quarter to get a taste of the latest dating phenomenon.

"It's ideal if you're a work hard, play hard, time poor, 20 to 30 something singleton, who feels the traditional ways to meet people just don't cut it anymore," said dating expert Jose Adams.

With sight denied, your remaining four senses of sound, taste, smell and touch are heightened, so the sparks really start to fly, but you don't get to see your date until you've got to know them Dating expert Jose Adams

"Research proves that flirting under the cloak of darkness increases the chances for excitement and romance."

After shelling out their �45 each, guests are guided to their seats in a pitch-black dining room by waiters wearing night-vision goggles, and seated next to members of the opposite sex whom they have never met.

First they are served a five course meal and wine, the serious business of flirting begins.

"With sight denied, your remaining four senses of sound, taste, smell and touch are heightened, so the sparks really start to fly, but you don't get to see your date until you've got to know them," said Mr Adams.

The great danger for potential daters, of course, is not confusing their cutlery - the meal is eaten entirely with fingers apparently to heighten the intimacy - but finding yourself sitting next to a crashing bore.

Or worse still, an unwelcome hand creeping onto your knee.

Only the waiters can see with night vision goggles like these

If that happens, the darkness provides the perfect anonymous get-out clause, and eagle-eyed waiters are instructed to guide guests elsewhere around the table on the signal of a raised hand.

It is not until waiters bring out candles with the dessert that guests get to see for the first time their fellow diners.

And if they don't prove as palatable as the meal, then at least it was worth a shot in the dark.